Shafted!

NYC cyclists are once again getting the rusty shaft from the Port Authority of NY and NJ, managers of the George Washington Bridge, our typical route to riding in NJ and Rockland County, NY. We all remember, ruefully, no doubt, the dark, seemingly endless days of the metal grating stairs along the north walkway of the GWB (the latest round in the middle of the summer, to boot). Those stairs ruined the heels of this writer's beloved carbon-soled shoes.

I know, SIDIs have replaceable heel pads. So much for "Buy American"!

Well, dear readers, the PA is back to it's old tricks again. And by old tricks I mean not giving a @#$% about anybody not driving a car. Yes, this weekend's snowstorm resulted in the canceling of many travel plans and more importantly the Grant's Tomb Criterium, but surely the mighty PA can clean off a few inches of snow and ice by Sunday afternoon. Right?

Oh no you didn't!
(That Purple Extreme stuff is like chain AstroGlide, BTW.)


Remember when this was a welcome sight?

Wrong! All ped and bike paths were indeed closed today, as can be seen in pictures sent in by Cycopaths' Bronx and Upper Manhattan correspondent MC SC. Last I checked, though, cars were getting across just fine. The good clueless folk at the PA do, however, support local businesses! (and that's Good For America(TM)) They suggest riding your non-driver arse down to the Weehawken ferry or calling a local cab company.

Would you put your carbon bling-mobile in the trunk of a taxi? Oh and hey, what's long, hard and full of seamen?

I'm surprised they didn't suggest taking a short spin up to the Bear Mountain Bridge. If you have a moment, file a complaint for the good of your fellow cycopaths.